Lillian V Nelson Bedaw

She was born in Gardner, MA on August 2, 1929, daughter of Clarence & Lillian (Matson) Nelson. She attended school in Troy, NH, and was an excellent basketball player. Lillian graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1947. She enjoyed singing, and her lovely voice could be heard on the radio from 1947 to 1949.

She worked as a switchboard operator for the telephone company, and at Troy Woolen Mills. She would make braided rugs from wool remnants. She took time off to start a family, and raise her 5 children. Lillian returned to work in the early ‘70s, and retired from Masiello Insurance in 1999 at the age of 70. She enjoyed knitting & crocheting, and made blankets and sweaters for her grandchildren. Most recently, she was a member of the Troy Seniors, and served as their Treasurer. She really enjoyed the trips they would take.

Her love of sports remained constant. She was her children and grandchildren’s biggest fan. Throughout the years, she attended an infinite number of sporting events and dance recitals. She was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Left behind to remember a life well lived are her 5 children & their spouses: Janis & Graham Perham, Barbara & Linwood Patnode, Steve & Debbie Bedaw, Bob & Connie Bedaw, and Brenda Lane; 12 grandchildren: Kim Gillis & Jeff Perham; Erika Payne, Caitlin Ward, Jenna Stromgren, & Hanna Patnode; Melanie Bassler, Stephanie Bedaw & Lorrie Ogren; Eric Bedaw & Alex Bedaw; and Dylan Lane; and 11 great-grandchildren – Aiden, Taryn & Connor Gillis; Tanner & Izabelle Payne; Kamryn & Mason Ward; Sawyer Stromgren; Carter & Charlie Ogren; and Coen Bassler; and her brother Clarence “Butch” Nelson; as well as, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Services for Mrs. Bedaw will be held on Monday, December 30 at 5:00 PM at the Fletcher Funeral Home. An hour of Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 5:00, prior to the service, as well as after, from 5:30 until 6:30. Burial will take place in the spring at the Mountain View Cemetery in Troy.

In lieu of flowers, her family has asked for memorial donations to be made, in the name of Lillian V. Bedaw, to the Keene Community Kitchen (www.thecommunitykitchen.org), 37 Mechanic St, Keene, NH 03431, or a charity of your choice.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St., Keene, has been entrusted with the arrangements.